Alabama Football: Post-Spring Depth Chart, including summer enrollees
By Ronald Evans
Receivers and Tight Ends
The wide receivers, tight ends and H-backs are also rotational positions for Alabama football. Six wideouts will play frequently even without any injuries. Two to four guys will handle the tight end and H-back roles in regular sets. Occasionally a big body can also be used to catch passes as Da’Ron Payne did in the Playoff.
Wide receivers
Starters: Henry Ruggs III, Jerry Jeudy and Devonta Smith
The starting wides are expected to be 2017’s impressive freshmen, Henry Ruggs III, Devonta Smith and Jerry Jeudy.
Backups: Tyrell Shavers, Jaylen Waddle, Xavian Marks and Chadarius Townsend
Tyrell Shavers had a strong spring until a toe injury sidelined him for the rest of spring. The 6-feet-6 redshirt freshman will be a matchup problem for opposing cornerbacks. Shavers can be particularly effective in redzone sets.
Redshirt freshman, Chadarius Townsend helped his cause with a long TD reception in the A-Day game. Townsend, a high school QB, ran through a well-positioned Daniel Wright on the run after the catch. Senior Xavian Marks also looked good in the A-Day game and could see more action in 2018.
Jaylen Waddle is so highly regarded he has a chance to settle in at slot receiver and be one of the top four pass receiving targets in 2018. The other 2018 freshman wide receivers, Slade Bolden and Xavier Williams will likely see the field in special teams roles.
Tight End and H-Back
Starters: Hale Hentges and Irv Smith Jr.
Backups: Miller Forristall, Major Tennison and Kedrick James
The annual Alabama football question of expanding the use of tight ends in the passing game is ongoing. New Offensive Coordinator, Mike Locksley is said to favor the frequent use of tight ends. However, the same was said of Brian Daboll and yet nothing changed last season. Irv Smith Jr. is a gifted athlete that can be a big threat. Insiders report Kedrick James has impressed the coaching staff and could earn an active role in 2018.